Saturday, June 13, 2009

"IT DID not take much to convince top-selling American boy-band group Backstreet Boys to perform again in Singapore.When they heard that their gig would be held at the Padang during the SingTel Singapore Grand Prix night race, they gave a resounding yes.The best-selling boy band - with record sales of over 100 million records - and multi-Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan were two of the entertainment acts that race organisers revealed yesterday as part of the entertainment package for the event from Sept 25 to Sept 27.

“Both the Backstreet Boys and Chaka Khan normally perform at concerts ... they see a sexy element to the night race and reckon they will have a blast,” said Singapore GP director of operations Sarah Martin. The third big name will be released next month but the group will appeal to all age groups, said Ms Martin. Among other events to be announced then will be two of the world’s top 10 DJs.

“I can honestly say we have revolutionised the way people view entertainment at any Grand Prix,” said Ms Martin. “Without a doubt, we will be giving the best experience that any Grand Prix has seen.”

Although all ticket holders will be able to watch Backstreet Boys on both weekend nights at Zone 4, only spectators at the grandstands facing the paddock at Zone 1 will have the privilege to watch Chaka Khan after the main race on Sunday.Tickets there are priced at $1,388 each.“We felt that ticket holders who are paying a lot more ... deserve some exclusivity and this is the best way to give it to them,” said Ms Martin.Other top performers include Senegalese legend Youssou N’Dour - listed in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People - and Rock \& Roll Hall of Fame’s Mavis Staples.

To cater to the large number of foreign visitors, two key theatre acts will be staged along the lines of the world famous Cirque du Soleil.“About 40 per cent of the fans at the race will come from overseas and we want to bridge the language barriers,” said Ms Martin.The acts will be at the Padang and the floating platform. One of them has worked in partnership with Cirque du Soleil and is planning something special for the Grand Prix, she said."